Trivia to Enjoy in Quiz Form about Billy Joel, the One-and-Only Piano Man

Pop music writer/editorKEI
A style that keeps updating my favorites while loving mainstream and hit songs. I have experience writing articles for outlets like Utaten. Since I discovered music as a student, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. 2000s J-POP and 2010s K-POP were my youth, and I’m also loosely into jazz and R&B. I enjoy good music across genres with a “good is good” mindset. Thanks to my past work environment (and its influence), I listened to a lot of classic rock and kayōkyoku, which may have broadened my tastes. At RAG MUSIC, I mainly cover K-POP. I focus on reviews that emphasize feelings people can relate to, and on editing aligned with local pride and hit potential. Thank you!

Billy Joel radiates a one-of-a-kind charm as the Piano Man.

Active since the 1970s, he has given us classics like “My Life,” “Just the Way You Are,” and “Honesty.” Even if you don’t know much about him, chances are you’ve heard at least one of his songs.

In January 2024, his long-awaited concerts in Japan were a huge success, and he continues to be beloved there.

In this article, we’ll introduce topics related to Billy in a quiz format.

Let’s have fun getting to know Billy, whose straightforward pop sensibilities captivate people!

[The One-and-Only Piano Man] Fun Trivia About Billy Joel in Quiz Format (1–10)

Which of the following characteristics does Billy Joel, who is involved in the production, have?

absolute pitch
synesthesia
echolocation

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synesthesia

She is said to have synesthesia, the ability to perceive colors in sounds. And not only that—Billy sometimes even composes by imagining colors. Now that you mention it, her music does give the impression of colorful, radiant soundscapes.

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Billy Joel has visited Japan many times, but when was his first concert in Japan?

1977
the year 1978
1979

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the year 1978

They first came to Japan in 1978. They held a two-date tour with a show at Nakano Sunplaza on April 23 and another at the Osaka Kosei Nenkin Kaikan on April 24. The response seems to have laid the groundwork for their later success in Japan.

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Which of the following ballads is particularly popular in Japan compared to its popularity in its home country?

The Longest Time
Honesty (Onesuti)
Uptown Girl (Apptown Gaaru)

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Honesty (Onesuti)

A ballad in pursuit of sincerity, it has been loved across the boundaries of music fandom in Japan, even being featured in commercials. Although it isn’t performed very often, it was played for fans during their visit to Japan in 2024.

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[The One-and-Only Piano Man] Trivia About Billy Joel to Enjoy in Quiz Form (11–20)

In January 2024, where was the venue of the wildly successful concert held during their first Japan tour in 16 years?

Nippon Budokan
National Stadium
Tokyo Dome

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Tokyo Dome

It was held at Tokyo Dome. It was a much-anticipated Japan tour, and many people had been waiting for it! Not only those of that generation but also younger fans gathered for an exciting night. As an active performer and entertainer, they moved us in countless ways. We hope they come back to Japan again.

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What is the classic song that's often performed first at concerts?

Movin' Out
Prelude / Angry Young Man
Uptown Girl (Apptown Gaaru)

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Prelude / Angry Young Man

It seems to have been toned down in recent years, but with its light piano and bouncy rhythm, it has just the right vibe for an exciting opening track.

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Which of the following did Billy learn during his childhood?

Boxing
piano
Basketball

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Boxing

He took up boxing for self-defense because he was being bullied. Although he earned 22 wins as an amateur boxer, he gave up continuing after his nose was broken in his 24th bout.

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What is the sport that Billie herself is a fan of and that appears several times in the lyrics of her songs?

baseball
table tennis
volleyball

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baseball

Billy was born in New York. During his time with the Yankees, Japanese home run hitter Hideki Matsui used songs like “Big Shot” as his walk-up music. Baseball-related themes appear in songs like “Zanzibar” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” Several possibilities have been suggested, but he himself has not clearly stated which team he supports.

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